ACD Systems ships major update to ACDSee Photo Editor

Just a couple of weeks after issuing new versions of its ACDSee Pro 6 and ACDSee 15 workflow tools, Canadian software company ACD Systems has another update available. This time, it's not a minor increment, though. Instead, ACD has announced the first major update to the company's ACDSee Photo Editor app in quite a few years.

The previous ACDSee Photo Editor 2008 hit the market almost five years ago, in mid-2008. The app has remained available until recently, although it was last updated over a year ago to the final build 291. Now, its replaced by ACDSee Photo Editor 6, which harmonizes the version numbering with the company's other products.

ACDSee Photo Editor 6 now has more filters and effects.

Compared to the previous release, perhaps the most significant change in ACDSee Photo Editor 6 is the addition of raw support, acknowledging the fact that raw files offer benefits even for consumer photographers. The app allows non-destructive editing of raw files, right alongside your JPEGs as objects in photo layouts.

ACD has also added its patented Lighting and Contrast Enhancement (LCE) algorithms to Photo Editor 6. The company says these not only allow for correction of shadows and highlights, but also for a simulated, single-shot high dynamic range effect. Additionally, ACDSee Photo Editor 6 offers new Instagram-inspired effects and filters such as Collage, Lomo, Granite, and Orton, plus more robust tools for adjusting tone and color.

There's also raw file support and more robust color controls.

Available immediately, ACDSee Photo Editor 6 is a Windows-only application, and is priced at around US$50. An extended download service providing access to the installer for one year from the date of purchase costs an extra US$7, while DVD media for reinstallation costs US$10. One year of free 40GB storage is included in the purchase price.